UK DIY News
Marks & Spencer To Expand Into Former Homebase Unit
Marks and Spencer is to open a new store within an empty Homebase unit in the West Midlands.
Marks & Spencer currently operates a Simply Food store next to the Homebase store on Sears Retail Park in Solihull, located on Oakenshaw Road, Shirley.
Solihull Homebase was on the initial list of 42 Homebase stores earmarked for closure after shareholders voted to allow the company to enter into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in September 2018.
BMO Commercial Property Trust Ltd worked with Marks & Spencer to secure a new lease for the 35,000 sq ft Homebase unit, which will be redeveloped alongside the Simply Food unit to create a single 82,000 sq ft unit. The finished store will offer a larger food hall, a cafe and general merchandise.
Redevelopment work is expected to finish by the end of 2020 at which point Marks & Spencer will begin fit-out work, ahead of a planned summer 2021 opening.
M&S head of region for West Midlands, Andy Barber, said: “Shopping habits are changing, so we’re reshaping our store estate to ensure it meets the needs of customers today – and those of tomorrow.
“As part of this transformation, we will be expanding our M&S Sears Retail Park store to offer customers a bigger and better food offer, a new clothing department and a large M&S Café.
“The new and improved store will be finished during summer 2021 and, in line with the expansion, our existing store on Mell Square in Solihull will close once the development is complete.”
Source : Insight DIY Team
Image : Marks & Spencer Cheshire Oaks
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